This book presents over 300 masterpieces of textile art made and worn by women of the Kuna tribe living on coral isles off Panama’s Atlantic coast. Lively, varied, original and full of wit,
molas remain rooted in tradition yet appear amazingly comtemporary. They are now prized by museums and private collectors throughout the world. This illustrated book reveals the lifestyle,
behavior and beauty that underpin Kuna women’s creativity. Michel Perrin’s brillant demonstration of the links between molas and other aspects of Kuna culture such as oral literature and body
decoration has been praised by French anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss. Also featured are Perrin’s discussions with Kuna women during his field trips, revealing their opinions on techniques
and artistic values. In addition, the book includes excerpts from myths and traditional accounts of the rituals, animals, plants and objects that inspire the women’s designs for their
magnificent molas.
